Principal's Update
Help Us Enter the New Year
God, help us enter the New Year quietly, thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others, mindful that our steps make an impact and our words carry power. May we walk gently. May we speak only after we have listened well. Help us enter the New Year reverently, aware that you have endowed every creature and plant, every person and habitat with beauty and purpose. May we regard the world with tenderness. May we honour rather than destroy. Help us enter the New Year joyfully, willing to laugh and dance and dream, remembering our many gifts with thanks and looking forward to blessings yet to come. May we welcome your lavish love. In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead.
Dear Parents and Carers,
I warmly welcome you back as we settle into the 2024 school year. I hope all families feel relaxed and refreshed as we get back into the busy routines of work and school. It has been a smooth start to the school year and it has been a delight to observe the children return to school looking happy and eager to begin work in their new classroom settings.
A big welcome to our new Prep students and new families. All our Preps seem to be making a comfortable transition into school routines. I have visited the classrooms throughout the week and have been delighted with how settled and happy they are in their new environment. Well done to Gemma, Meg, Jess and Ava on making their first few days such a memorable experience.
We welcome our new teachers Matt O’Dowd, Jess Parker and Amanda Delorenzo. We also welcome our 2 new LSOs Ava Cuolahan and Beth Diviny. We are delighted to have these wonderful people on staff and wish them all the best as they begin their journey at St. Mary’s.
Uniform/Hats
It is timely at the beginning of the year to remind families about wearing correct school uniform. Runners are only to be worn on sports days. Our uniform is something we share in common as a school community and should be worn with pride.
We have noticed a few children not wearing hats at break times. The wearing of hats is extremely important, particularly at this time of the year. If children are not wearing a hat they will be asked to sit in the undercover veranda areas.
Beginning of Year BBQ
Our beginning of the year BBQ will be held on Thursday 15th February at 6pm. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the year and welcome new families to our school. The school will provide sausages and hamburgers and parents will be asked to bring a salad or dessert to be shared. Details will be posted on Class Dojo and we would appreciate a response of your attendance for catering purposes.
Student Information Form
In the coming weeks a form will be sent home to all Gr.1-6 parents requesting transition information for classroom teachers on your child(ren’s) personal traits. Please return forms ASAP, as the sooner we have this important information the better. If you wish to discuss matters further, there will be an option on the form to request to meet in person or have a phone conversation with your child’s teacher. Please note that this is not mandatory, only if you feel it is required.
Events Calendar
First term is always a very busy one. On today’s newsletter are all the important dates and events in the coming weeks. Please be sure to read the calendar on the newsletter each fortnight to keep up to date and plan ahead. We also add dates onto the yearly calendar on PAM on a regular basis, so please keep up to date with this also.
Enjoy the rest of your week and best wishes for a great year ahead.
Michael Mahoney (Principal)